Violent clashes in Bangladesh leave 32 dead and dozens injured, sparking calls for Prime Minister's resignation

At least 32 people have lost their lives and dozens have been injured in violent clashes that erupted in Bangladesh on Sunday. The protests, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saw police resorting to tear gas and stun grenades to disperse tens of thousands of demonstrators. The unrest, which prompted the government to shut down internet services, marks a significant challenge for Hasina's administration since her re-election in January, which was marred by deadly protests and boycotted by the main opposition party.

The clashes have spread across Bangladesh, with reports of violence in 13 districts. In the central district of Munsiganj, witnesses reported that two construction workers were killed and 30 others were injured during a clash involving protesters, police, and ruling party activists. The victims had succumbed to bullet wounds, according to the superintendent of the district hospital. Although the police denied firing any bullets, the situation escalated when improvised explosives were detonated, turning the area into a battleground.

🔺 ALERT:

Pro-1ndia Sheikh Hasina is thrashing the students and other civil class who're protesting against the 1971 war-based quota system which was established to retain the hate against Pakistan. Now the government of Bangladesh/1ndian media are pointing fingers... https://t.co/H4JwDI20Ye pic.twitter.com/uR9nqFK0jR

— Tactical Tribune (@TacticalTribun) August 4, 2024

Further violence and casualties have been reported in other parts of the country. In the northeastern district of Pabna, clashes between protesters and activists of Hasina's ruling Awami League resulted in three deaths and 50 injuries. Hospital officials in the northern district of Bogura confirmed that two individuals were killed. The capital's Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital was also attacked and vandalized by a group of protesters, demanding the government's resignation.

These clashes come in the wake of student-led demonstrations last month against quotas for government jobs, which led to widespread violence and numerous casualties. The Supreme Court subsequently abolished most quotas, but sporadic protests resumed last week, with students demanding justice for the families of those killed. Critics and human rights groups have accused Hasina's government of employing excessive force to suppress the movement, an allegation that the government denies.

In response to the escalating protests, the government implemented a shutdown of high-speed internet services and restricted access to social media platforms. Mobile operators confirmed the internet shutdown, and social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp became inaccessible, even via broadband connections.

The violent clashes in Bangladesh have resulted in a significant loss of life and numerous injuries. The protests, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have posed a major challenge to her administration. The government's decision to shut down internet services and restrict access to social media platforms reflects the gravity of the situation. As the nation grapples with these ongoing protests, calls for justice and accountability continue to resonate.